5 Tips To Prepare For Your Professional Hotel Photography

Your picture may be worth a 1,000 words, but is it worth a 1000 guests? Statisticians show that the quality and quantity of images have a direct impact on conversion rates across all digital channels. Dfphotography’s hotel photographers are industry experts. They know how to take images that drive sales and conversions across all booking channels.

Preparation is key to a successful photography session at a hotel. The look of a hotel room that is prepared for professional hotel photography will be different from a room that has been prepared to welcome guests. Follow these steps to make your hotel room photo-ready.

1. Choose the Right Guest Room

The selection of a guest room is more than simply finding the best. The final image quality is influenced by the light. A space that is over-lit by natural light will look dull and uninteresting. A space that is too dark can feel lifeless. The time of the session will determine which rooms you should choose. Use this simple rule:

• Block all guest rooms facing west.
• Afternoon/evening Class: Do not block guest rooms that face east.
• The light in rooms facing north is usually softer, but this can vary depending on the season.

Visit your rooms at the time you have scheduled for your session if you’re not sure where to go. Select a room on the other side of the building if there are light beams on the floor or harsh lights in the windows.

Other selection tips

• Photographically, rooms with higher ceilings are better.
• Try to find rooms that have obstructions at the front of windows to block light.
• Ask questions and communicate with your photographer.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect guest room, prepare it in detail to make sure that they are picture-perfect. The best time to prepare your guest rooms is the day before your morning session, as the light at dawn is the best. Depending on the start time of your session and the anticipated occupancy, you can prepare guest rooms the day before the session.

2. Linens and Pillows

The lighting used in professional photography can produce thousands of watts, which will magnify even the smallest of wrinkles. Iron all visible linen, including Bed Skirts and Pillow Cases. Also, curtains, cloth shower curtains, and bed skirts. Steam is the best way to remove wrinkles. Keep the climate control running if your area is humid to keep linens crisp and fresh.

Tips and Tricks

• Iron bed skirts while they are still on the bed. Overhang the skirt with an ironing board placed at a height of about 1 foot.
• Always plan to iron brand new linens that have never been used.
• Always use your fluffiest pillows. Foam pillows are the most popular.
• Fill the back of feather and down pillowcases with a towel to give them more body.

3. Remove Light Bulbs

The lighting in guest rooms is intended to create a warm, homey atmosphere. This warmth may cause your images to be overly yellow. Dfphotography photographers color-balance bulbs for photography. We ask you to remove light bulbs from lamps, wall sconces and other fixtures in the guest rooms that will be photographed. Incandescent or CFL bulbs are included. Please do not remove the bulbs from ceiling fixtures or guest bathrooms.

4. All Print Material Must Be Removed

Print collateral is not allowed in many brands’ images of guest rooms. It can date the images, and it often appears as clutter. Put all print materials in a separate drawer (TV guide, movie guide, guest directory information, menus etc.). In this space, you should place guest bath amenities and coffee machines. Consult your brand’s photography guidelines to get specific directions.

5. Guest Room Contents

Dfphotography Photographers concentrate on taking images that sell the guest rooms and amenities. Make sure all rooms are fully furnished with accessories and furnishings such as desk chairs, end tables, throw pillows, etc. If you have a suite, make sure that all the glassware and dishes match. Each room should also be equipped with a complete set. Depending on the brand guidelines, they may be included in images.

Public areas can also be important to sell your hotel. While prospective guests are most likely to view images of the guest rooms, they are not the only ones who do.